Dirty Harry, featuring a rap from Booty Brown and lush vocals from the San Fernandez Youth Chorus, is Gorillaz' third single from Demon Days and follows the collective's residency at the Manchester Opera House.
As singles go it's not in the same league of catchiness as Feel Good, Inc or Dare, but as an example of how eclectic Damon Albarn can be it can't be beaten. A lo-fi funk beat is the foundation on which middle eastern strings, dirged-up fretless bass, the children's choir and the rap are all layered. It's difficult to imagine anyone else splicing together such diverse elements so effectively.
On the album it seamlessly seagues into Feel Good, Inc, which leaves the most immediate impression, but Dirty Harry is one of several tracks on Demon Days that rewards close attention and repeat listens. Albarn and his gang of monkeys are absolutely at the top of their game.
share: 
